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Mayor Aras Calls for Protection of Bodrum’s Natural and Cultural Texture

29.03.2023

Ahmet Aras, The Mayor of Bodrum held a press conference providing information on two important issues related to the protection of Bodrum’s natural and cultural structures. Mayor Aras called for an end to interference with the coasts.

In his first briefing, Mayor Aras spoke about the coastal works that have accelerated with the approaching summer season. He warned that these works and interventions would harm the natural structure and urged citizens to avoid them. Mayor Aras emphasized that necessary inspections and warnings have been carried out regarding the recent white sand works.

“Coastal recreation works have been carried out recently. The materials used have been observed to be harmful to human health. Moreover, it is not suitable for the coastal texture of Bodrum. There is a legal procedure for these works. Permission must be obtained from the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization to carry out such works. Otherwise, no intervention can be made on the coast and the natural structure cannot be disturbed. Different opinions can only be obtained from various institutions, not permission,” Mayor Aras stated.

Mayor Aras also explained what the Municipality had done on the issue and said that "within our authority, our municipality only carries out inspections and makes determinations about the issue. These determinations are conveyed to the Ministry of Environment or to the National Property."

Mayor Aras Called On Individuals & Companies

Mayor Aras also called on individuals and companies that use the coasts and interfere with them, saying, “Do not interfere with the coasts in any way. Do not disrupt the natural texture of our coasts. There should be no intervention except for the natural reflex of nature.”

The Importance of Sea Creatures

Mayor Ahmet Aras shared his views with the press on the importance of sea creatures and spoke about sea cucumbers, an important species for the seas, whose natural balance has been disrupted in recent years due to extinction.

"We must not allow the collection of sea cucumbers, which are an important species for the self-cleaning of the seas. We should not disrupt the biodiversity of the seas. There are reports of sea cucumber collection in the Turgutreis region. These hunts conducted thoughtlessly shall disrupt the natural balance and cause the extinction of many species," he said.

Mayor Aras also called on the Ministry of Agriculture to take measures to prevent the hunting of sea cucumbers, which are very important for the seas.

At the end of the press conference, Mayor Aras answered questions from the press, referring to the 2018 zoning amnesty law, illegal constructions, protection of natural structures, the Municipality’s authority and responsibilities regarding illegal constructions, the increase in rental prices in Bodrum, the increase in population and its effects.